Real Estate in St Thomas and London Ontario

The London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR) announced 757 homes exchanged hands last month, slightly down 10.2% from the same time a year ago. Year-to-date sales are up 10.6%, with a total of 10,111 homes sold, marking the second consecutive year residential sales have surpassed 10,000 across the region.

The October results mark a new chapter for LSTAR, after launching the CoreLogic Matrix platform as part of the Ontario Collective, a collaborative group of 13 real estate boards and associations across Ontario focused on delivering robust data, tools, and the best available technology to support over 5,000 REALTORS®.

“LSTAR was part of the Collective’s first phase launch of this new enhanced regional MLS® System, supporting our REALTOR® Members to better serve consumers,” said Jim Smith, 2017 LSTAR President. “Along with the launch of Matrix, LSTAR has also upgraded its monthly home statistics reporting, thanks to a collaborative partnership with the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA).”

The CREA Residential Market Activity Report provides more data, featuring an in-depth look at home sales trends happening across London and St. Thomas.

“LSTAR has been working with CREA over the last few months to develop this report and we are very excited to share the data with our Members and the public,” Smith said. “The CREA report includes more specific residential activity based on geography and more detailed comparison statistics to activity in previous years.”

In October, the average sales price across London and St. Thomas was $325,331 up 14.2% from the same time a year ago. The average year-to-date sales price was $330,497 up 18.3% from October 2016.

“When looking at the region, home sales in London East, London South and London North have posted healthy gains in year-to-date activity,” Smith said. “In London East, home sales are up 21.2% compared to a year ago, while in London South, sales are up 13.9% and in London North, sales are up 6.5% compared to this time last year.”

In October, there were 847 listings, down 17% from the same time in 2016.

St. Thomas saw a total of 67 homes sold, down 21.2% from the same time last year. The average home price in St. Thomas was $284,344 up 25.7% from October 2016.

The following chart is based on data taken from the CREA National MLS® Report for September 2017 (the latest CREA statistics available). It provides a snapshot of how average home prices in London and St. Thomas compare to other major Ontario and Canadian centres.

According to a research report1, one job is created for every three real estate transactions and approximately $53,000 in ancillary spending is generated every time a home changes hands in Ontario. “Based on the monthly total for October, that translates into creating approximately 252 jobs and positioning us to potentially generate more than $40 million back into the local economy,” Smith said.

The London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR) exists to provide our REALTOR® Members with the support and tools they need to succeed in their profession. LSTAR is one of Canada’s 15 largest real estate associations, representing over 1,700 REALTORS® working in Middlesex and Elgin Counties, a trading area of 500,000 residents. LSTAR adheres to a Quality of Life philosophy, supporting growth that fosters economic vitality, provides housing opportunities, respects the environment and builds good communities and safe neighbourhoods and is a proud participant in the REALTORS Care Foundation’s Every REALTOR™ Campaign.

*These statistics are prepared for LSTAR by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and represent a data snapshot taken on November 1, 2017, based on reported sales activity between October 1 and 31, 2017.

The London and St Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR) announced 802 homes exchanged hands last month, marking the third consecutive year that more than 800 homes were sold in the month of September*.

“Home sales are slightly down compared to last September, but we are still on track to achieve a record sales year for 2017,” said Jim Smith, 2017 LSTAR President. “We’re experiencing activity that signifies a more balanced marketplace, and expect a strong finish to the year.”

In September, a total of 646 detached homes were sold, a decrease of 9.8% from the previous year, while condominium sales were up 4.0% from 2016, with 156 units sold. The average sales price across London and St. Thomas was $318,347 slightly down 1.0% from the previous month. The average year-to-date sales price was $328,759, up 17.8% from the 2016 average home price of $279,057.

“The activity echoes what’s happening in many other parts of the country,” Smith said. “According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), there was a roughly even split of local markets where sales posted a slight decline and others saw a slight increase. I want to stress our region’s marketplace continues to be healthy, and your best source to help you navigate what’s trending is a local REALTOR®.”

In September, there were 1,026 listings, up 3.3% from the same time in 2016. The year-to-date sales are ahead by 13.1%, with a total of 9,219 homes sold.

St. Thomas saw a total of 71 homes sold, up 6.0% from the same time last year. The average home price in St. Thomas was $272,251 slightly up 0.6% from the previous month.

The best-selling house style in September in LSTAR’s jurisdiction continues to be the two-storey, followed by the bungalow and ranch. The average price for a detached home in September was $337,574 down 1.7% from the previous month, while the average price for a condominium was $238,730 up 2.0% from September 2016.

According to a research report1, one job is created for every three real estate transactions and approximately $53,000 in ancillary spending is generated every time a home changes hands in Ontario. “Based on the monthly total for September, that translates into creating approximately 267 jobs and positioning us to potentially generate more than $42 million back into the local economy,” Smith said.

*These statistics represent a data snapshot taken on October 1, 2017, based on reported sales activity between September 1 and 30, 2017

July 4, 2017

The London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR) announced home sales achieved the best results ever for the month of June, since LSTAR began tracking sales data in 1978*. A total of 1,245 homes were sold in June, an increase of 9.9% over the same period last year.

“We’re halfway through the year, and we had the sixth consecutive month of record sales,” said Jim Smith, LSTAR President. “Other regions have started to see a drop in sales, according to the latest figures from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). Although activity has started to slow down in other municipalities, REALTORS® across London and St. Thomas continue to receive interest from outside the region. Our marketplace continues to be very strong, with year-to-date home sales more than 23 percent ahead of 2016.”

In June, a total of 998 detached homes were sold, an increase of 8.6% over the previous year, while there were 247 condominium sales, up 15.4% from 2016. The average sales price across London and St. Thomas was $335,233 – down 2.8% from the previous month. The average year-to-date sales price was $331,524 – up 18.8% from the 2016 average home price of $279,057.

“The summer season is in full swing and we understand contractors throughout the region are in high demand,” Smith said. “Renovation projects may help homeowners to add value to their properties, spurring healthy activity for local small businesses and merchants, contributing further to the economic growth of our communities.”

In June, there were 1,398 listings, up 9.0% from the same time in 2016. The year-to-date sales are outpacing last year by 23.2%, with a total of 6,542 homes sold.

St. Thomas enjoyed strong activity in June as well, with a total of 111 homes sold, up 46.1% from the same time last year. The average home price in St. Thomas was $280,336, up 8.0% from the previous month.

The best-selling house style in June continues to be the two-storey, followed by the bungalow, and ranch. The average price for a detached home in June was $361,560 down 2.8% from the previous month, while the average price for a condominium was $228,860, down 6.4% from the previous month.

According to a research report, one job is created for every three real estate transactions and approximately $53,000 in ancillary spending is generated every time a home changes hands in Ontario. “Based on the record monthly total for June, that translates into creating potentially over 400 jobs and positioning us to potentially generate nearly $66 million back into the local economy,” Smith said. “With month after month of record sales, we continue to be focused on delivering the best service that consumers expect from us. In a dynamic marketplace, a REALTOR® has the knowledge and experience to protect the needs of the consumer and help them manage every step of the real estate process.”

June 2, 2017

The London and St Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR) announced a total of 1,539 homes were sold in May, an increase of 33.4% over the same period last year. This represents the best results ever for May, and the highest monthly home sales total ever recorded, since LSTAR began tracking data in 1978*.

“We’re experiencing a very strong marketplace, with the fifth consecutive month of record sales,” said Jim Smith, LSTAR President. “REALTORS® are still seeing multiple offer scenarios and interest from outside the region. When you factor in the region’s low unemployment rate and continued job growth, the economy is firing on all cylinders. This year, year-to-date home sales are already 27% ahead of 2016.”

In May, a total of 1,209 detached homes were sold, an increase of 28.6% over the previous year, while there were 330 condominium sales, up 54.2% from 2016. The average sales price across London and St. Thomas was $344,815 down 0.6% from the previous month. The average year-to-date sales price was $330,890 up 18.6% from the 2016 average home price of $279,057.

“We understand the City and local home builders are working closely to bring more permit ready residential lots in the second half of the year, which contributes a tremendous boost to the economy,” Smith said. “The news of high-speed rail is also encouraging, and this may be a huge factor toward a future building boom in home construction.”

In May, there were 1,985 listings, up 15.5% from the same time in 2016. The year-to-date sales are outpacing last year by 27.0%, with a total of 5,307 homes sold.

St. Thomas also had a very healthy May, with a total of 115 homes sold, down 0.9% from the same time last year. The average home price in St. Thomas was $259,491 down 4.0% from the previous month.

The best-selling house style in May continues to be the two-storey, followed by the bungalow and ranch. The average price for a detached home in May was $372,163 down 0.1% from the previous month, while the average price for a condominium was $244,619 down 1.4% from the previous month.

According to a research report**, one job is created for every three real estate transactions and approximately $53,000 in ancillary spending is generated every time a home changes hands in Ontario. “Based on the historic sales we saw in May, that translates into creating potentially over 500 jobs and positioning us to potentially generate more than $81 million back into the local economy,” Smith said. “With the summer season, many homeowners are looking to add value to their homes through renovating and landscaping projects as well, igniting lots of activity for area merchants and small businesses, helping to further grow the economy.”

The London and St Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR) announced another record month for residential sales in April, with a total of 1,220 homes sold, an increase of 14.2% over the same period last year. This represents the best results ever for April, since LSTAR began tracking sales data in 1978.

“Since the beginning of the year, every month has achieved record sales. After the first four months, we’re about 25 percent ahead in home sales compared to 2016,” said Jim Smith, LSTAR President. “It just shows how desirable the region is, when you consider affordability, accessibility and lifestyle. London and St. Thomas have so many features that make them attractive destinations to live, work, raise families and retire. We’ve got farm-to-table restaurants, London Knights hockey, big-name concerts and culture, such as the North American Railway Hall of Fame and the Grand Theatre.”

In April, a total of 971 detached homes were sold, an increase of 11.7% over the previous year, while there were 249 condominium sales, up 25.1% from 2016. The average sales price was $347,062 up 5.4% from the previous month. The average year-to-date sales price was $325,286 up 16.6% from 2016 average home price of $279,057.

“With this robust marketplace, it’s a fantastic time to get in touch with a REALTOR®,” Smith said. “With an increase in multiple offer situations, interest from outside of London and St. Thomas, and the regulatory requirements, a REALTOR® can help you manage the process every step of the way.”

St. Thomas also had a very healthy April, with a total of 97 homes sold, up 12.8% from the same time last year. The average home price in St. Thomas was $270,439 up 9.3% from the previous month.

The best-selling house style in April continues to be the two-storey, followed by the bungalow and ranch. The average price for a detached home in April was $372,461, up 4.7% from the previous month, while the average price for a condominium was $248,020 up 14.5% from the previous month.

According to a research report1, one job is created for every three real estate transactions and approximately $53,000 in ancillary spending is generated every time a home changes hands in Ontario. “Based on the record sales in April, that translates into creating potentially over 400 jobs and positioning us to potentially generate $64 million back into the local economy for London and St. Thomas,” Smith said.

The London and St Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR)

announced another record month for residential sales in March, with a total of 1,242 homes sold, an increase of 44% over the same period last year. This represents the best results ever for March since LSTAR began tracking sales data in 1978.

“We continue to experience a very robust marketplace, with some very strong year-to-date sales as well,” said Jim Smith, LSTAR 2017 President. “After the first quarter of 2017, year-to-date sales are up by 30.4%, compared to 2016. We’ve been telling consumers who are thinking about putting their home on the market that current conditions are very encouraging. You have to go back to 2004, the only other instance when sales surpassed 1,000 homes in March.”

In March, a total of 1,006 detached homes were sold, an increase of 46.9% over the previous year, while there were 236 condominium sales, up 34.9% from 2016. The average sales price was $329,218 – up 6.9% from the previous month. In looking at the first quarter of 2017, the average sales price was $314,847, up 12.8% from the first quarter of 2016.

“March started to see mild, spring-like temperatures in weather, and this could also have been a factor helping the month’s sales,” Smith said. “We continue to see the trend of low supply and high demand, with the number of listings down 7.9% compared to a year ago. Now more than ever is an ideal time to get in touch with a REALTOR®.”

St. Thomas also had a very healthy March, with a total of 108 homes sold, up 44% from the same time last year. The average home price in St. Thomas was $247,455 up 2.2% from the previous month.

The best-selling house style in March continues to be the two-storey, followed by the bungalow and ranch. The average price for a detached home in March was $355,651 up 8.5% from the previous month, while the average price for a condominium was $216,539 down 8.3% from the previous month.

According to a research report1, one job is created for every three real estate transactions and approximately $53,000 in ancillary spending is generated every time a home changes hands in Ontario. “With the March sales, that translates into creating potentially over 400 jobs and setting us up to potentially generate almost $66 million back into the local economy,” Smith said.

So many first time buyers wonder, “do you have to pay a real estate agent if you are buying a home?” For some, the thought of having to shell out extra cash when they are already doing all they can to save for their down payment is enough to make them walk away from the entire process before they even get going. Many are surprised to find out that the answer is actually no. A home buyer does not pay their agent, rather the agent earns their commission from the seller side of the transaction.